RCMP TAKE DOWN FIRST GROW-OP OF THE YEAR

Comox Valley RCMP made their first grow-op bust of 2003 and for the
first time ever plopped their new Operation Growbusters alert sign in
front of the offender's home.

Const. Dean Maxwell says the sign is important to assist residents in
recognizing marijuana growing operations in their neighborhood.

"The complaint came from a very observant member of the public," he
said. "It was the complaint that started this investigation." Two
adult males were arrested Wednesday afternoon, when police raided the
operation in the 2000 block of Wallace Ave-nue of Comox.

Only three houses away from Comox Elementary School, Max-well says
these grow operations are potentially a real danger if left un-checked.

"It is especially worrisome when you have children going by," he said.
"We want to minimize anyone who could be caught in a crossfire between
opposing bad guys; (someone) who may want to gain access to the drugs."

Although this particular rental house suffered very little damage,
other houses used to grow marijuana have been virtually destroyed. As
rental properties are the preferred choice for growers, Maxwell
explains that landlords need to be aware of what is going on in their
property. Ignorance, he said, could result in extensive damage to the
home which may not be covered by insurance. "There could be thousands
and thousands of dollars worth of structural damage," he said.

Besides careful screening of tenants, Maxwell says landlords should
also inspect their property every 30 days as plants will not be able
to mature in that short time frame

The RCMP are aware of 400 grow operations in the Comox Valley but that
is just the tip of the ice berg.

"Those are only the ones we know about," said Const. Trevor Allen of
the Comox Valley Street Crew. "Who knows how many there are."

Allen says this grow is considered a small one but the potential
profits could be huge if it had been allowed to mature.

In dismantling the operation, Allen said they found six grow lights
and a couple hundred plants in the sealed garage.

When clipped and dried the marijuana could potentially have a street
value of $15,000 or bring as high as $36,000 if sold in the United
States.

Public costs of tracking, monitoring, taking down a grow op as well as
all the paper work and court time is also huge.

Allen speculates the three officers dedicated to the investigation
spend at minimum six hours dismantling an operation and another 30 man
hours after that doing the court stuff.

"Prior to the warrant being issued we could be investigating for
years," he said.

So how would you know there is a grow-op in your neighborhood?

Maxwell says there are some tell tale warning signs.

"The smell is like skunk cabbage," he said. "It can be quit
strong."

Other signs to watch for are bright lights that Allen says are rather
distinctive too.

Maxwell says residents can call Crime Stoppers at 338-tips (8477) or
the detachment 338-1321 if they have any concerns or want to report a
grow op.